The word 'doula' comes from ancient Greece and translated means 'servant'. A doula is a woman experiences in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a birthing woman before, during and after her labor.

A birth doula.....

... recognizes birth as a key life experience that a woman will remember all her life.

... understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor.

... assists the laboring woman and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for the birth.

... provides emotional support, physical comfort, and an objective viewpoint. She advocates for her birthing client in order to get the information she needs to make informed decisions.

... understands her role as one who nurtures and protects her client's birthing experience and memories.

... does not perform any medical/clinical procedures nor does she make decisions for her client.